HOW IT WORKS
The brief is out.
Your 48 hour filmmaking challenge begins now!
It's time for your Team Leader to check their inbox! They will have received your submission link, a mandatory Line of Dialogue, and two Prop options.
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Assemble Your Team
Make your short film solo or assemble a team
Your team can include any combination of roles, but you will need to designate a Team Leader who will act as the main point of contact throughout the competition.Participants under the age of 18 are welcome to take part but must have an adult Team Leader aged 18 or over.
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Register Your Entry
To take part in the challenge, complete the online registration.
Please ensure all team details are submitted before the registration deadline.
Registration Deadline : 2nd July 2026 at 23:59 BST
Before registering, please make sure you have read through the festival Terms & Conditions.
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Get Prepared
Of course, you can wing it if you like, but you may want to start thinking about locations, equipment, props and talent before the brief is announced.
The best films often come from teams who are ready to move the second the challenge begins.
You are welcome to organise:
locations
cast and crew
costumes and props
equipment
production schedules
before the competition starts.
Just remember that writing, filming and editing must all take place within the official 48 hour challenge period.
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The Competition Begins
At 19:00 BST on Friday 3rd July 2026, the official challenge brief will be released on the 2Day Film Challenge website.
From that moment, teams will have just 48 hours to write, shoot, edit and submit an original short film.
Challenge Window
Starts: Friday 3rd July 2026 at 19:00 BST
Ends: Sunday 5th July 2026 at 19:00 BSTFilms must be between three and five minutes long, including title card and credits.
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Submit Your Film
Once your team has successfully registered, the Team Leader will receive the official 2Day Film Challenge brief via email on 3 July 2026.
This email will include:
• The official creative brief
• Required challenge elements
• Submission guidelines
• A private FilmFreeway submission linkFrom the moment the brief is released, teams will have 48 hours to write, shoot and edit their film before submitting it via FilmFreeway.
All completed films must be uploaded before the official submission deadline on 5 July 2026.
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Cross Your Fingers
All submitted films will be reviewed by the festival team based on creativity, storytelling, technical ability and originality.
From these submissions, a Top 20 shortlist will be announced on 10th August 2026.
The shortlisted films will then undergo a second round of internal review, with the final Top 10 films selected to be presented to our industry judging panel.
The Top 10 finalists will be announced on 24th August 2026.
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Gala Final & Winners Ceremony
The 10 shortlisted teams will be invited to our live gala screening event at LAMDA in West London on 19th September 2026.
Finalist films will be screened to a live audience of filmmakers, judges and industry guests before the winning teams and Grand Prix winner are announced on the night.
The gala event is designed to celebrate emerging filmmaking talent and provide finalists with the opportunity to showcase their work on the big screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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Yes. You can use any camera or recording device you like.
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Absolutely. Teams can range from solo filmmakers to a full film crew
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Yes. You are encouraged to organise locations, equipment, cast, props and schedules in advance.
However, writing, filming and editing must take place within the official 48 hour challenge window.
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No. Teams are responsible for securing all necessary rights and permissions for music, footage and other copyrighted materials used within their film.
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Films not in English must include English subtitles.
